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CES
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About
China Eastern Airlines is one of China's "Big Three" carriers and the country's second-largest airline by passengers carried, transporting over 130 million passengers annually. Headquartered in Shanghai, the airline operates a fleet of approximately 600 aircraft, making it one of the world's largest airlines by fleet size.
As a SkyTeam member since 2011, China Eastern offers extensive global connectivity through 20 alliance partners. The airline is known for its strong network across Asia-Pacific, comprehensive service to North America and Europe, and modern fleet including the Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-9 with premium cabin products.
China Eastern wholly owns Shanghai Airlines and China United Airlines, creating a comprehensive network centered on Shanghai's two major airports.
Hubs & Focus Cities
Airports where China Eastern Airlines operates 5+ routes
+45 more hub airports
Network
218 airports served
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+168 more airports
Baggage Policy
Carry-On Allowance
Personal Item + Cabin Bag:
- Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (22 x 16 x 8 in)
- Weight: 10 kg (22 lbs) maximum per piece
- First Class: 2 cabin bags allowed
- Business/Economy: 1 cabin bag allowed
| Class | Cabin Bags | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|
| First Class | 2 pieces | 10 kg (22 lbs) each |
| Business Class | 1 piece | 10 kg (22 lbs) |
| Economy Class | 1 piece | 10 kg (22 lbs) |
Checked Baggage
China Eastern uses different baggage systems depending on route:
Domestic Flights (Weight-Based System):
| Class | Free Allowance | Maximum per Bag |
|---|---|---|
| First Class | 40 kg (88 lbs) | 50 kg (110 lbs) |
| Premium Business/Business | 30 kg (66 lbs) | 50 kg (110 lbs) |
| Premium Economy/Economy | 20 kg (44 lbs) | 50 kg (110 lbs) |
International Flights (Piece-Based System):
Americas (US, Canada, South America):
| Class | Pieces | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| First/Business | 2 bags | 32 kg (70 lbs) each |
| Premium Economy | 2 bags | 23 kg (50 lbs) each |
| Economy (Y/B Class) | 2 bags | 23 kg (50 lbs) each |
| Basic Economy | 1 bag | 23 kg (50 lbs) |
Europe (including Russia, Turkey):
| Class | Pieces | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| First | 3 bags | 32 kg (70 lbs) each |
| Business | 2 bags | 32 kg (70 lbs) each |
| Premium Economy | 2 bags | 23 kg (50 lbs) each |
| Economy (Y/B/Flex/Standard) | 1 bag | 23 kg (50 lbs) |
| Basic Economy | 0 bags | Purchase required |
Australia, New Zealand, Japan:
| Class | Pieces | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| First | 3 bags | 32 kg (70 lbs) each |
| Business | 2 bags | 32 kg (70 lbs) each |
| Premium Economy | 2 bags | 23 kg (50 lbs) each |
| Economy (Y/B/Flex/Standard) | 2 bags | 23 kg (50 lbs) each |
| Basic Economy | 1 bag | 23 kg (50 lbs) |
Size Limit: 158 cm (62 in) linear dimensions per bag
Excess Baggage Fees
International Routes:
| Region | 1st Extra Piece | Additional Pieces |
|---|---|---|
| Americas | CNY 1,300 (~$180) | CNY 2,000 (~$280) |
| Australia/New Zealand | CNY 1,100 (~$150) | CNY 2,000 (~$280) |
| Europe/Africa | CNY 1,000 (~$140) | CNY 2,000 (~$280) |
| Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan | CNY 800 (~$110) | CNY 1,000 (~$140) |
| Southeast/South Asia | CNY 800 (~$110) | CNY 1,200 (~$165) |
Overweight/Oversized Fees:
| Condition | Fee |
|---|---|
| Overweight (23-32 kg) Economy | CNY 1,000 (~$140) |
| Overweight (32-45 kg) Business | CNY 2,700 (~$375) |
| Oversized (159-203 cm) | CNY 1,000 (~$140) |
| Oversized (204-292 cm) | CNY 2,000 (~$280) |
Domestic Flights: 1.5% of highest published Economy one-way fare per kilogram
Special Categories
- Students/Seafarers: 2 pieces at 23 kg each on international routes
- Infants: No free checked allowance; 1 stroller checked free
- Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs transported free, excluded from limits
Fees as of January 2025. Verify at ceair.com/baggage.
In-Flight Experience
Cabin Classes
China Eastern operates four cabin classes on long-haul aircraft:
First Class (Select Aircraft):
- Available on Boeing 777-300ER, A350-900, Boeing 787-9
- 6 seats in 1-2-1 configuration
- 80" (203 cm) pitch with fully lie-flat beds
- Private suites on newest aircraft
Business Class:
- A350-900: Thompson Aero Vantage XL seats with privacy doors
- 1-2-1 staggered configuration, 36 seats
- 23" width, fully lie-flat bed
- 18" touchscreen (32" for Business Plus front row)
- Privacy doors, mini-bar on select seats
- Boeing 777-300ER: Reverse herringbone, 52 flat-bed seats
- Direct aisle access for all seats
- Personal entertainment system
- Boeing 787-9: 26 lie-flat seats
Premium Economy (A350-900, select routes):
- Collins Aerospace MiQ seats
- 2-4-2 configuration, 32 seats
- 38" (97 cm) pitch
- 19" seat width
- 7" recline with leg and foot rest
- 13.3" HD touchscreen
Economy Class:
- Pitch: 31-32" (79-81 cm)
- Width: 17-18" (43-46 cm)
- Recline: 3" (8 cm)
- Entertainment: 11.7" HD touchscreen on widebody aircraft
- USB-A and AC power at every seat on newer aircraft
Entertainment
- Long-haul: Seatback screens on all widebody aircraft
- Content: Movies, TV shows, music, games
- Languages: Chinese, English, and regional languages
- Personal devices: USB charging available
Dining
Business Class:
- Multi-course Chinese and Western menu options
- Premium wines and spirits
- Champagne service
- Chinese tea ceremony on select routes
Premium Economy:
- Enhanced meal service
- Complimentary alcoholic beverages
- Larger meal portions
Economy:
- Complimentary hot meals on international flights
- Chinese and Western options available
- Complimentary beer, wine, soft drinks
- Snacks and refreshments
Special Meals: Must be pre-ordered 24+ hours before departure (vegetarian, kosher, halal, etc.)
WiFi
WiFi available on select aircraft. Pricing varies by route. Check availability when booking.
Tips & Tricks
Booking:
- Book directly at ceair.com for best service during disruptions
- Compare total cost including baggage when choosing fare class
- Basic Economy on Europe routes includes NO checked bag
- Americas routes generally include 2 checked bags in Economy (Y/B class)
Baggage:
- Domestic China uses weight system (20 kg Economy); international uses piece system
- Students and seafarers get enhanced allowances with documentation
- Pre-purchase excess baggage online for savings vs airport pricing
- Weight limits strictly enforced on China domestic flights
At the Airport:
- Shanghai Pudong (PVG) is large; allow ample connection time
- Use online check-in to save time
- SkyPriority lanes available for elite members
- First/Business lounges at PVG offer excellent facilities
Upgrades:
- Paid upgrade offers sometimes available at check-in
- Eastern Miles Gold/Platinum members have upgrade priority
- SkyTeam status recognized for priority services
Eastern Miles:
- Miles calculated in kilometers (easier to earn vs mile-based programs)
- Family pooling helps combine miles across household
- SkyTeam partners offer earning opportunities worldwide
- Miles transfer from credit card programs possible
Mobile App:
- Download the China Eastern app before travel
- Different app versions exist for US and China markets
- Keep booking confirmation screenshots as backup
- Some features may require Chinese phone number
Common Issues:
- App can be unstable; always have backup of booking details
- International flights often require printed boarding pass
- WiFi availability inconsistent across fleet
- Currency on China-departing flights typically CNY
Connections:
- Allow 2+ hours for international connections at PVG
- Domestic connections at SHA more efficient
- SkyTeam partner connections available at major global hubs
Alliance
China Eastern Airlines is a member of SkyTeam, enabling seamless connections and shared benefits with partner airlines.